(i) Monitoring and evaluation, and research and development.
Section 11. Nutrition in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters and Calamities. – Areas that are affected by
disasters and emergency situations, both natural and man-made must be prioritized in the delivery of
health and nutrition services, and psychosocial services interventions. NGAs and LGUs are mandated
to immediately provide emergency services, food supplies for proper nourishment of pregnant and
lactating mothers, and children, specifically those from zero (0) to two (2) years old. Women, infant and
child-friendly spaces shall be prepared and ready to accommodate women and their children, provide
their daily necessities such as food, clothing, clean water, and shelter; readily available breastfeeding
support and counselling for those with children up to two (2) years or beyond, as well as provision and
guidance on the appropriate complementary food for children over six (6) months old.
Donations of milk formula, breastmilk substitutes, and/or products covered by the Milk Code without the
approval of the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) created under Executive Order No. 51, Series of 1986,
shall be prohibited in order to protect the health and nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, infants
and young children before, during and after a disaster.
In emergency situations, donations or assistance from the private sector, with no conflicts of interest or
those not involved with manufacture, marketing, and sales of products covered by the scope of the Milk
Code, shall be allowed immediately in the aftermath of natural disasters and calamities. Strict
compliance with the Milk Code and its revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) shall be
observed, and options for mothers with breastfeeding problems will be provided, such as, but not
limited to, the mobilization of breastfeeding support groups or strategic establishment of local milk
banks.
The DOH and other relevant departments, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council (NDRRMC), shall formulate guidelines and mechanisms in pursuit of this
section, taking into consideration humanitarian, inclusive, gender and culture-sensitive standards for
the protection of children, pregnant and lactating mothers, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10821,
otherwise known as the "Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act", its implementing rules and
regulations, and the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children.
Section 12. Capacity-Building of Barangay Health and Nutrition Volunteers. - The DOH and the NNC,
in coordination with LGUs, shall provide practical and effective training courses to BNSs, BHWs, and
other personnel concerned to upgrade their skills and competence in the implementation of the
services and interventions for the health and nutrition of women and children.
Section 13. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Governing Board. - The NNC Governing Board shall
be composed of the following:
(a) Secretary of the DOH as the ex officio Chairperson;
(b) Secretary of the DA as the ex officio Vice Chairperson;
(c) Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the ex
officio Vice Chairperson;
(d) Secretary of the DepEd;
(e) Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);